Device for the polyphase transformation of the frequency of three-phase circuits



Oct. 28, 1952 u. CORBINO 2,616,070

DE E FOR THE POLYPHASE TRANSFORMATION OF E FREQUENCY-0F THREE-PHASE CIRCUITS Filed Dec. 8, 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVEN TOR U 0 CORB/NG HT Von EY Oct. 28, 1952 u. CORBINO 2,616,070

DEVICE FOR THE POLYPHASE TRANSFORMATION OF THE FREQUENCY OF THREE-PHASE CIRCUITS Filed Dec. 8, 1949- 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.11

Ziixiik INVEN'T 0R U9 (aka/ va n-r-ronasy Oct. 28, 1952 CORBINQ 2,616,070

P PHASE TRANSFORMATION OF DEVICE FOR THE THE FREQUENCY THREE-PHASE CIRCUITS Filed Dec. 8, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG. l3b

UGO Coreamo (Ztkorneg I A, Y I

Patented Oct. 28, 1952 DEVICE FOR THE POLYPHAS'E TRANSFOR- MATION OF THE FREQUENCY OF THREE- PHASE CIRCUITS Ugo Corbino, Rome, Italy Application December 8, 1949, Serial No. 131,794

In Italy December 16, 1948 10 Claims. 1

The present invention concerns a method, and the corresponding devices, for the transformation of the frequency of alternating currents from an odd-numbered polyphase system to an even-numbered polyphase system whose frequency is a multiple of the fundamental frequency.

This object is attained by employing a phenomenon which is well known but has never, so far, been correctly interpreted, and that is the production of a third harmonic voltage in a symdiagrams, one of each of the single-phase secondary voltages can be' obtained. Said voltages, being out 'of phase between each other by the required amount, form, as a whole, thenew polyphase (even number of phases) system with multiple frequency.

For example, one can, in this manner, statically transform. a three-phase system having a frequency n with the greatest ease and with-a very high efficiency into a four-phase system having afrequency T3113 In the attached drawings, which s'erveto illustrate schematically the method of operation and the structureof the transformers of frequency of 'polyphasecurrents, according to the present inyntion l ligsgl and 2 show, respectively inpersp'ective and ,in' transverse section, the form and arrangemento'f .laminations in one particular core with symmetrical yokes; Figs. 3 .and 4 show, also in perspective and in section, a similar form of construction which is, however, supplied with means to ensure continuity of the magnetic circuit at one of the two yoke levels.

Fig. 5 shows a grouping of three single-phase cores adapted for a particular type of winding.

' Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another .form of arrangement of agrouping of three cores in which themagnetic continuity of one of the twolayers of yokes is established at the center of-the figure. Fig. '7 shows the windings on a core of the type shown in Fig. 5 for one primary phase alone.

Fig. 8 indicates the diagram of the circuits on a core. t

:Fig. 9-indicates the diagram of. connections for the transformation of a three-phase system with 2 a frequency 3n into a four-phase system with a frequency -3n.

Fig. 10 is the diagram of connections of open star-delta circuits shown in Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 shows one of the ways of arranging capacities on the secondaries. H

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 9, but showing an alternative electric circuit.

Figs. 13a, b and c are graphs of the voltage, current and flux waves in two three-phase sets whose primaries are connected in open-star delta asinFig. 9. y T

Figs. 14a, b and. c are graphs of the voltage. current and flux waves in a single three-phase set whose primaries are star connected as in Fig. 8;

As will be noted, thefigures in the drawings all refer tovarious parts of an installation, and there'- fore to a complete installation in which the oddnumbered'polyphase; system, whose frequency. is to. be multiplied, isia three-phase systemwith frequency n?- which; is to be transformed into-a four-phase system with frequency 311. H

The various parts of said installation will be successively described hereafter, and that is,'the magnetic core of the frequency transformer, the primary and secondary windings of the same,

and then the diagram and general arrangement of the said installation. 7

The magnetic core; from whose variable reluctance it is desired to profit, is obtained byseparating a symmetrical-yoke three-phase core into its three single-phase elements. These can be obtained by separating each column into two semi-columns side; by side. Continuity of the iron along each singlephase frame is indispensable, particularly in small transformers, since the joints at which a normal three-phase magnetic core divides have a fundamental importance in producing the phenomenon of variable reluctance. For this reason, such joints may be considered admissible only in apparatus having notable dimensions, and in such case it is necessary to verify .the identity ofthe reluctances in each of the single-phase frames. It is consequently apparent that in non-divisible cores the windings must be woven onto the core itself. i I From Figs. 1 and 2.-it is easy to see the form of the frames composing the core, whose vertical elements I- -l, 2-2, 3-3 form the semi-columns of the three phases, as well as'the type of lamination, and in Figs.f3 and 4 can also be seen the laminated keepers P1, P2, P3, which serve to establish the continuity of the magnetic circuit downat the bottom of elements l-l. 2+2;

3 3-3, the whole forming a first example of nuclei with symmetrical yokes.

Another arrangement of the core is that shown in Figs. 5 and 6 with a different form of lamination consisting of superimposed stampings as can be seen in Fig. 6, instead of stampings set side by side as in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4. In the arrangement shown in Fig. 6, magnetic continuity is established at the center 0 of the figure where the three packs of yokes meet.

As far as the windings are. .concerned, the. secondary windings are arranged in six columns on the six semi-columns ll, 22, 33 of the nucleus, and the turns are wound in an opposi-te sense of rotation on the two semi-columns facing each other in each primary phase, as can be seen in Fig. 7' which shows the windings forv one of the phases. The six columns which to gether constitute the secondary, are connected in series as can be seen from Fig. 8, so that the three phases A; B and C ofthe primary-winding are matched by three couples of windings -a-a, b b, c-c, of the secondary. The primary winding is a normal three-phase winding each phase of which, however, is wound on the two semicolumns, facing each other, which carry the two corresponding secondaries wound in an opposite sense to each other.

' As a result, therefore, this arrangementof'the secondary can be ideally "considered as coinciding with a winding on the yoiies which, profiting from the division of the core columns each into two semi-columns, has been made to slidelalong these so as to link itself better with the primary winding.

Suppose we now have another core arranged exactly as in the one described above, but differingfrom it in the fact that the primary threephase winding A, B, C has a delta connection The two cores can be connected in the manner shown in Fig; 9, thus forming an installation for the static transformation of a three-phase'system having a frequency 11. into a four-phasesystem having a frequency 3n. Y

As can be noted from Fig. 10, the two threephase primaries are connected, the first as an open starin other words a star with open neutral-whose three points feed the primary A, B, C of the second nucleus which is delta connected. This connection is'to be preferred to a diagram (Fig. 12) in which the two primaries are fed in parallel (although this is also possible).

*Due to the high reactance of the secondary circuits, it is necessary to insert suitable capacities M, M in them, said capacities attenuating the voltage drop between no-load and load and, modifying the phase of the secondary current, improving the reaction between secondary and primary and thus determining the transformation effect. This capacity can be arranged in series in the secondary circuit, as shown in 'Figs. '8 and 9, or in parallel, as shown in Fig. 11. In this case however, due to the triple frequency resonance value, the current circulating under no-load conditions assumes very high values, as also does the flux; the variation in the secondary voltage between no-load and full-load operation therefore becomes very high, for which reason this arrangement should only be used under constant load conditions. It is also evident that the capacities can be inserted in the circuit some in "series and some in parallel.

yRephasin'g on the primary side has not been considered here,but this might become necessary hand, absorbs modulated and distorted currents.

In the case of great power, this could lead to deleterious effects on the feed net-work.

THEORY OF FREQUENCY TRANSFORMATION (l) The basic principle All bibliography and references on frequency changers are founded:

(a) On' saturation of magnetic cores, "and'consequent valve effect,to obtain harmonic and subharmonic secondary voltage;

' (b) On super-imposition of permanent mag netic flux and alternating current flux.

For class (a) reference may be made to: F. Spinelli, U. S. L. P. No. 1,157,730, and H. Huge. U. s. L. P. No. 2,424,237.

For the second (1)) to: H. J. McCreary, U. S. L. P. N0. 2,234,634 and No. 2,445,857. a In the present invention harmonic voltage on secondary windings is obtained by normal variability of reluctance of the magnetic circuits.

This is more properly cailedfnonlinearity of the magnetic permeability." The new shape of 'core-with the help of some secondary "effectsand the disposition and connection of windings allows a maximum utilizationof the non-linear: itycharacteristics of ir on,-without bringing :it tosaturation, and obtains high treble frequency voltage as a result of the sum of an unsymmetri' cal system in an open secondary winding.

Better to explain the functioning of the device, I shall begin by the more complex scheme.

which is simpler to interpret.

It is the device employing two sets of threephase cores in open star-delta feed'scheme as shown in Fig. 9.

If we control, by the oscillographic method, fundamental elements in this case, we find that the magnetizing current is perfectly sinusoidal. Now, if we control voltage waves, total input voltage, and component voltages of the star and delta connected sets, we find that the totallinput 'yoltage, (net-work voltage)gissinusoidalz "but 5 harmonic modulation appears, in complementary measure, on the star and delta polarities of the P mary circuit.

' ured against neutral feed point.) 60

(Delta polarities must be meas- A compensation between non-linearity effects on the two three-phase sets, 30 displacement, allows the sinusoidal magnetizing current to flow in all primary circuits.

The compensation occurs in every induction value: starting from zero up to normal induction values,

But it "is well known that, if the magnetizing current is sinusoidal through a coil, the flux is' distorted itno a fiat-top wave, and an induced voltage wave is peaked: so,',the effect obtained in the saturation type employing very high current and induction values, is now available at low levels. I

v Ifth 'single-pliase cores, have no joints- (and :tvinding'sare interwoven) :I'. an bt 50%. 6f

third harmonic component under 1,000.1iries: the same' value requires 2 Weber/m. in saturable c'ore type. I

' Definition of the shape of care For pointing out the shape of the core, Fig. 7 is suflicient. The particular core is characterized-by the linkage, as in a chain, of a number, preferably odd, of single-phase cores and'a like number of primary coils: in the case in point, the linkage is a chain of three single-phase cores with three primary coils. Consequently:

(a) Each single-phase core is magnetized by two primary phases, of which one is inverted (displacement 60).

(11) Each primary coil is linked with two cores, that' is with two flux waves, 60 out of phase.

1(a); The secondary winding, for every primary phase, presents two windings, in series, but tuming' in opposite direction. Secondary amperesturns, in third harmonic frequency, are half concurrent, half opposite to primary ampere-turns.

The efliciency of the core can be improved by: 1; 'A continuous steel sheet along each singlephase sheet;

' 2.'"A three core magnetic connection common to all.

' The secondary eil'ects of that above will be explained hereafter.

Efiiciency of frequency transformer To limit the weight of the cores, harmonic saturation has been employed in my invention. But emciency is already much higher than in saturation types.

Intests, a 1.5 kw. unit embodying my inven tion; only 13 kg; weight, using normal 1.2 watt/kg. sheet, 9.35 mm. thickness, and still jointed cores, hasjsecured 85% efficiency: tests on better-quaiitys'heets and without joints bring up efficiency to 9 0%.'

'Oscill graphic tests on current,

voltage and flux waves The'above-mentioned explanation can be clarinedfby direct examination of current and voltage waves, and indirect flux wave calculation, by the oscillographic method. Here is the explanation of Figs. 13a, b and c and Figs. 140., b and 0.

Figs. 13a, 1) and c-two three-phase sets in open-star-delta scheme Figs. 14a, b and c-one three-phase set star primary connected One set (Fig. 8) can be utilized to obtain singlephase treble frequency voltage.

' is max. flux condition in a primary coil; zero I wave in this case gives rise to a sinusoidal resulting wave as the difference. 7

Looking atthe three-phase flux wave system. in Fig. 1417 we must consider the sequence of two key instantaneous positions, 30.displaced in phase:

1. One flux is nul; the other two are equal at the max. in value, but opposed in direction; if a difference is made, they become concurrent. This condition fordifierential flux.

2. One flux is of medium value; the other two are of equal value and opposed to the former; but

they are much more than half the value of the first. Here we have differential max. flux on the secondary winding.

Modulation in harmonic is known in threephase symmetrical coupled core; the origin must be common to the new special shape of three single-phase cores in one set; modulation appears 5" harmonic, but displacement in modulation is 5 as a consequence of above aforesaid sequence/7 Geometrical details about the shape of cores, improving non-linearity ejects The non-linearity of magnetic permeability is,

1 as stated, the basic principle: but details on the Magnetizing current is not sinusoidal: 5 harmonic modulation is intense. Figs. 14a, b and c show:

geometrical shape of cores can improve notably the resulting diiferential flux. l

. As .two primary coils are linked-4n dislnct places-with every single-phase core; themutual induction coefiicient between primary and sec ondary winding must vary: here we have a sec-'- onda'ry'non-linearity cause of geometrical origin. If magnetizing current is sinusoidal, turns number of the magnetmotive resulting force vary. This new non-linearity cause is opposite to normal non-linearity of magnetic permeability; to reduce its effect (deterrent to my purpose) the normal joints in the single-phase core can be reduced. A continuous steel sheet along each single-phase core allows best leakage although it entails some manufacturing and maintenance problems.

For the same reason, a theoretical nul condition, for flux in each single-phase core, according 60 displacement, derives by the opposition of two magnetomotive forces, at 0.5 of max. current. But as the permeability of air is not nul, every half-core will be magnetized partially by closure of the circuit in the air. This effect is favorable to my purpose; its importance can be increased by placing a magnetic connection between the three single phase cores forming a set; the air portion of the total circuit will in this case be reduced to half.

What I claim is:

1. A frequency transformer which functions as the result of the variability of reluctance of magnetic circuits in a closed chain of cores and exciting coils alternatively linked, said transformer comprising a group of KC single-phase cores.v

where K is an integral odd number greater than 1 and 01s an integral number, each core including two "magnetic legs and magnetic means Joining the ends of said legs, .the cores being arranged in a closed ring with a leg of each core juxtaposed to a leg ofan adjacent core, a secondary winding around each individual leg, and aptimarywinding around each pair of juXta-pOsed-Iegswhereby there are half as many primary windings as-secondary windings.

2. A frequency transformer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the secondary windings on each-pair of juxtaposed legs are wound in opposite senses.

3. A frequency transformer as set forth in claim 1 wherein the secondary windings on each pair of juxtaposed legs are Wound in opposite. senses, and wherein the secondary windings of each pair of juxtaposed legs are inside the primarywindings-for said pair of legs.

r 4'. A frequency transformeras set forth :in claim l wherein the primary'windings are starconnected.

5. A frequency transformer as set forth in claim 1. wherein the primary windings are star connected and the secondary windings are series connected. .6. A frequency transformer as set forth in claim 1 wherein capacitors are included in the secondary circuit to maintain rephasing of thesecondary current at the changed frequency. 7. An apparatus for the transformation of an odd-numbered polyphase system into 'an even numbered ,polyphase system of .multiple frequency, said apparatus including a pair .of trans formers as set forth in claim 1, the primary windings in one transformer being connected in a closed series, thefprimary windings" in the other transformer being connected in open star to the. primary windings of the first transformen'the secondary windings in each trans former being connected in an open series.

8. An apparatus for the transformation of a three-phase 'system 'havinga frequency 11. into four phasesystem having a frequency 3n, said apparatusincluding a pair of transformers as set :forth in claim 1 wherein the primary windings in one transformer are delta connected and the primary windings inthe other transformer are connected in open star to the primary wind.- ings of the first transformer, the secondary windings in each transformer being connected in an open delta.

9. An apparatus for the transformation of an oddnumbered polyphase system into-an evennumbered polyphase system of multiple frequency, saidapparatus including a pair of transformers as set forth .in claim 1,'the primary windings in one transformer being connected in a closed series the primary windings in the other transformer being connected in open star to the primary windings of the first transformer, the secondary windings in each transformer being connected in an open series, and capacitors in the secondary circuits to maintain rephasing of the secondary current at the changed frequency. :10. An apparatus for the transformation of a three-phase system having-a frequency n .into "a four-phase system having a frequency 3n, said apparatus including a pair of transformers as set forth in claim 1 wherein the primary windings in one transformer are delta connected and the primary windings in the othertransformer are connected in open star to the primary windings of the first transformer, the secondary windings in each transformer being connected in an open delta, and capacitors in the secondary circuits to maintain rephasing of the secondary'c'urrent at the changed frequency,

, UGO CORBINO REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS y Number Name Date 1,157,730 .Spinelli Oct. 26, 1915 2,324,634 McCreary July 20, 1943 2,418,643 Huge Apr. 8, 1947 2,424,237 Huge 1; July 22, 1947 2,437,093 Huge -Mar. 2, 1948 2,445,857 McCreary July 27, 1948 2,517,396 Logan Aug. 1, 1950 

